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Bridgewater College students get hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation

Crystal Graham
bridgewater college wildlife center
Image courtesy Bridgewater College

Bridgewater College students are getting hands-on experience with animal care and rehabilitation thanks to a partnership with the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

WCV has previously offered internships to students, but it has recently expanded its state rehabilitation permits to include BC, allowing students a unique opportunity on campus.

Eighteen students are enrolled in a new Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation seminar. The seminar is taught by Dr. Tamara Johnstone-Yellin, an associate professor of biology and environmental science, with guest experts from WCV.

Next semester, the students will apply their knowledge to caring for a cohort of woodland box turtles that are housed on campus. During the spring practicum in wildlife rehabilitation, students will be responsible for feeding, maintaining husbandry standards and monitoring the health of the turtles as they rehabilitate from illness or injury, in preparation for their eventual release.

Students will also be prepared to take the international wildlife rehabilitation certification exam, if they choose.

“Our goal is to teach students the ins and outs of wildlife rehabilitation and have them get hands-on experience,” said Johnstone-Yellin.


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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]